Hiking the Haute Route: Arolla to Zermatt
A classic long-distance trail with Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn
8 dagar
Vandring Self-Guided trip
Level 4
7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
The Haute Route is a concept within the Alpine world. Originally a ski traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt, it also exists as a glacier hike, as well as this slightly lower variant for the hiker. The "Walker's Haute Route" is magnificent and challenging but follows ordinary trails, requires no special equipment, and can be done on your own.
You hike through the heart of Valais from the small mountain village of Arolla to Zermatt in the shadow of the Matterhorn. The trail crosses high passes, through larch forests and alpine meadows, and past glaciers and glittering mountain lakes. All around rise some of the Alps' true giants: Dent Blanche, Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Monte Rosa, and of course the Matterhorn, which draws ever closer with every stage. You stay at hotels with several dinners and luggage transport included. This is an epic hiking trip for those who enjoy long days and large differences in altitude, spiced with the feeling of truly travelling through the landscape.
Tour Highlights
Follow the legendary Walker's Haute Route to Zermatt
Hike with the Matterhorn and 4000-meter peaks as your backdrop
Cross some of Valais' most beautiful high alpine passes
Discover glaciers, mountain lakes and classic alpine villages
Enjoy full hiking days without heavy packing
Program
Select Your Program Variation:
7 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners included
Dinner
The journey begins in Arolla, a small mountain village at the far end of Val d'Hérens and the highest-situated village in the area. You check in at the hotel from around 3 pm and have the rest of the day to settle in and get a feel for the alpine surroundings. The village lies where the last sparse forests of larch and arolla pine meet the high-alpine landscape. To the south, the view is dominated by the mighty, glacier-covered north face of Mont Collon. A fitting introduction to the mountain world that awaits during the week. Dinner is included in the evening.
Level and accommodation
Demanding alpine hike on partly rocky mountain trails and over passes at nearly 2,900 metres' altitude. The six hiking days average around 13 km with 950 metres of ascent per day, normally 4–7 hours of hiking. Suitable for those with good fitness, hiking experience, and familiarity with longer climbs and descents. The trip can be booked by a minimum of two people; for safety reasons, solo hikers are not permitted.
You stay most nights at 3-star hotels with your own room and bathroom. One night you stay at a 2-star hotel, and in Grüben at a simpler mountain lodge with your own room and shared bathroom. The standard has been chosen with a classic long-distance hike in the Alps in mind. Half board every day except in Täsch and Zermatt provides comfort and control over costs.
More information
